This podcast is aimed at everyone who trains HEMA or any martial art, whether you want to get out of a plateau in class, or you’re planning a comeback after a break, or you just can’t get to a class, training from home is always a good idea.
🏆 “Winning is everything”. Winning is just a visible part of fencing. There is a fathoms-deep chunk beneath the surface of learning, passion and personal growth.👀 To look down on other fencers and clubs. Parochial perceptions persist, and a community is more than the club you belong to. We can’t grow as a movement without understanding, connection and cross pollination.✅ That my way is the only correct way. None of the masters can agree on what is the correct way to learn and practice fencing, far be it from me to make that claim. Find as many teachers as you can, choose wisely.💪🏼 That you need a grindset. Your phone, your car, your brain and your body will not run on empty. Rest, find other hobbies and communities. HEMA is only one part of your life.💥 How to generate power. Sharp swords don’t need power, in fact, striking hard is a bad idea and leads to sloppy fencing. You need to bump up your DEX, more than your STR.
We tend to imagine our own club is utopian compared to the others you hear about on social media where bad things happen. I’m here to let you know that every club is fertile ground for toxic behaviour. But what can we do about it?
Little girls are praised for all kinds of qualities and behaviours. What we carry into adulthood from this praise and these internal values can stymie our learning.
Eleven things that you are doing that you really shouldn’t. This episode looks at how we can take our habits and make them better.
The term "pipeline" describes the typical fencing career progression: from beginner, to student, to instructor and/or competitor, and the "leakiness" signifies that women are leaving the path at multiple stages, unlike men. In this episode we look at the key aspects, contributing factors, and possible solutions to the leaky HEMA pipeline.URG centred HEMA events, coaching, content and podcasts. Historical European Martial Arts.💻 Website https://bythesword.net⚔️ courses and coaching https://ko-fi.com/swordwomen🎞️ Instagram @swordwomenhttps://www.instagram.com/swordwomen?igsh=eGU2NHFxeGplZTh3&utm_source=qr📱 Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/share/17UjsbpFSe/?mibextid=wwXIfr🩵 Supporthttps://Patreon.com/swordwomenhttps://ko-fi.com/swordwomen
In this episode, Fran meets artist blacksmith, Heather McLarty of Los Angeles, California, USA. We talk about her journey in the craft and her involvement in the popular TV series, the Mandalorian. The episode was recorded live Sunday, 28 May 2023.
In this episode, we meet artisan, armourer, production designer, and prop maker, Ugo Serrano, who has worked on films such as Planet of the Apes, GI Joe: the Rise of Cobra, and the Chronicles of Riddick. We talk about his background, his career, and the historical influences on his work. The episode was recorded live 19 March 2023.
In this episode, we meet Aaron of semi miss productions, USA. We hear about his maiden project: A Lion’s Age, an immersive strategy game, featuring breathtaking artwork and characters, set in mediaeval south Asia. The interview took place Sunday 26 February 2023..
In this episode Fran talks to fight director and artist Sydney Schwindt of True Edge Art in California, USA. We discuss how stage combat and theatre links historical fighting to modern veterans in fascinating ways. We also talk about the enduring appeal of swords in art. The recording took place 29 January 2023.
For the first episode of 2023 Fran meets designer Veronica Young of Cryptid Combatwear in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. We discuss her tournament experience, as well as the chest protector that she has designed exclusively for HEMA fencers who have breasts. The episode was recorded 8 January 2023.
In this episode Fran talks to artist, larper, puppeteer and performer Ellen Lavery about her varied talents and career paths. We talk about growing up in a fantastical family, and training to be a stunt performer. The episode was recorded live 11 December 2022.
In this episode Fran talks to historian Dr Chassica Kirchhoff, arms and armour scholar and assistant curator of European sculpture and decorative arts at the Detroit Institute of arts USA. We discuss arms and armour historical influences on popular TV shows House of the Dragon and The Rings of Power, as well as women in martial history. The episode was recorded live 16 October 2022.
In this episode of the podcast Fran meets armoured combat team captains Meg and Evie of Nashville Armoured Combat USA. We learn how they got into this growing sport, all about the women’s Armoured Combat League in Tennessee, and the physical demands of fighting in full armour. The interview took place on live 18 September 2022.
In this episode Fran talks to Armored Combat duellist Shoshana Shellans of the USA. We discuss the realities of armoured combat and how to get into it, as well as the intersection between armoured combat and historical European martial arts.
In this episode of Swords and Mental Health, Fran invites Janna on the show to talk about her tournament experience at combat con 2022, following their discussions in the episode “the toll of tournament”. There is also a special announcement one hour into the podcast! The episode was recorded 27 July 2022
I talk to special education teacher and fencer Katie Zold about neurodivergence in the HEMA community. We talk about how we can help each other better, both as students and instructors. The episode was recorded live 17 July 2022.
In this episode of the podcast I speak to Fran, Charles, and Spencer of the Knights of Wakanda armoured combat team, USA. I learn about how the group formed, the challenges of the sport, and the passion for community and excellence in the team. The episode was recorded live 26 June 2022. Unfortunately due to technical issues the first 20 minutes of the recording were lost, I apologise for any inconvenience
Fran talks to Dan Halliday and Graham Meyer on the topic of masculinity in the historical European martial arts community. The episode was recorded 20 June 2022.
In this episode I talk to Justin Kostelecky, owner of Grizzly House Forge in Utah USA. We discuss the challenges of sword smithing, how to handle disparities in stature, and his experience as a finalist on the hit TV show Forged in Fire. The episode was recorded live 22 May 2022.